Which ethical principle is central to Situation Ethics?

The central ethical principle of Situation Ethics is Agape love. This approach to ethics, developed by Joseph Fletcher, emphasizes that love should be the primary guiding factor when making moral decisions. Agape, understood as unconditional love, suggests that actions should be evaluated based on whether they express love and benefit others, rather than adhering strictly to laws or rules.

In Situation Ethics, the context of each situation determines the best course of action, with the intention of promoting love being the most important consideration. This means that decisions may vary according to circumstances because the ultimate goal is to foster love, compassion, and understanding among individuals. Thus, Agape love serves as the foundation for making ethical choices in this framework, allowing for flexibility while maintaining a strong moral core focused on the well-being of others.